Tool Comparison
Nail Gun vs Sledgehammer in Dumb Ways to Build: the official roles, the trophy counters each is tied to, and which to bring.
Published September 10, 2026 · Last updated October 4, 2026
Quick Answer: How Do the Six Tools Compare?
The launch duo does opposite jobs: the Nail Gun fastens things together ("staple together sketchy bridges, ramps, and structures") while the Sledgehammer takes things apart (steel beams). The Power Tools & Packed Lunches update (Update 2.0) then added four specialists: the Blow-Vac for blowing and launching, the Caulk Launcher for foam support and fall-breaking, the Pocket Spring Loaded Platform for vertical launches, and the Drumsticks for percussion. Trophy counters still favor the classics.
| Tool | Official Role | Trophy Hooks | Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nail Gun | Build: staple bridges, ramps, structures | Nailed It (100), Screw Loose (100), Pin Cushion (25) | Launch |
| Sledgehammer | Demolish: steel beams and obstacles | None specific | Launch |
| Blow-Vac | Blow back items/players; suck in and launch objects | None specific | 2.0 |
| Caulk Launcher | Foam blobs: support weight, pin items, break falls | None specific | 2.0 |
| Pocket Spring Loaded Platform | Pocket-size spring platform | None specific | 2.0 |
| Drumsticks | Percussion on objects and teammates | None specific | 2.0 |
Which Tool for Which Job?
The Nail Gun remains the tool the game measures you on — bring it always. The Sledgehammer covers demolition work. The Update 2.0 additions change how you move: the Caulk Launcher (foam platforms) and Pocket Spring Loaded Platform give you vertical routes, the Blow-Vac relocates anything — including teammates — and the Drumsticks are pure co-op comedy. All four were announced by PlaySide with a disclaimer that "Stumble and Sons assumes no liability for loss of life, building mishap, or the otherwise highly perilous nature of these items".
A Note on "Tier Lists"
Tool tier lists for Dumb Ways to Build floating around the web predate Update 2.0 and rank a mix of real and invented tools. The verifiable roster is the six above. "Which tool is best" usually depends on what you are standing under when you swing it — the game is a physics sandbox, and the update explicitly leans into that.